Hazrat Aishah’s Marriage to Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
As the first wife of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam), Hazrat Khadijah, had passed away, there was the need for him to marry again.
Uthmaan Bin Math’oon was a special Sahaabi. Even before becoming a Muslim, he would not drink liquor. He was the first to pass away from those who made Hijrat with Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) to Madinah. When he passed away, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) kissed his forehead, and he was the first to be buried in Jannatul Baqee’ [the Qabristaan of Madinah Munawwarah]. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) placed a stone by his Qabr as a sign.
Once, the wife of Hazrat Uthman Bin Math’oon (Radhiyallahu anhu) said to Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam): “Yaa Rasulallah! Why do you not marry again?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) replied: “Who should I marry?” She answered: “There are many women, both widows and virgins. If you wish to marry a virgin girl then there is the daughter of your most dear friend, Abu Bakr, and if you wish to marry a widow then you can marry the daughter of Zam’ah, Saudah, who has also embraced Imaan and obeys what you say.”
As both prospects were very good, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) told her to go to both places and see which was better.
The wife of Uthman Bin Math’oon (Radhiyallahu anhu) was an intelligent and discerning woman. First, she went to the house of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (Radhiyallahu anhu) and explained her case exceptionally well. How could the family who would sacrifice their lives for Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and were ready to shed their blood for the perspiration of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) refuse? They accepted this honour with great joy.
However, in view of the exceptionally close friendship between Hazrat Abu Bakr and Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) to the point that both were considered to be brothers, Hazrat Aishah would then be the niece of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). So, could she marry him or not?
With this in mind, they said: “Aishah’s father is coming. When he comes, he should give a response.”
Just then, Abu Bakr came home. The proposal was mentioned to him. He, too, fell in doubt and said: “Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) is my brother! How can Aishah be married to him?”
The wife of Hazrat Uthman Bin Math’oon narrated all this to Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) replied: “Tell them that, undoubtedly Abu Bakr is my brother in Islam, however, the relationship is not the same as that of a real brother, so his daughter can marry me.”
When she mentioned this to Hazrat Abu Bakr, he accepted the proposal with pleasure and said that whenever Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) wishes to, then the nikaah would be performed.
At that time, it was 10 years after Nubuwwat, and the month of Shawwaal. Hazrat Aishah was six years old. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and a few others went to the home of Hazrat Abu Bakr and the nikaah was performed in a simple manner according to the custom of Islam.
As Hazrat Aishah was still a child, she did not know of the nikaah, and she did know that she had acquired the greatest blessing and honour that a woman could receive. Due to her young age, she did not leave her parents’ home straight away.
From before, Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu anhu) enjoyed a deep and loyal friendship, and the position of being a special attendant of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Now, due to this family relationship he acquired another special honour and distinction [the distinction of being the father-in-law of Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wasallam].
(Nêk Beebiya)